The name of bishop Fulton Sheen is magic!

Last week, one of our Atlanta universities invited him to speak next January, and I wanted to invite him, on the same occasion, to give a public, citywide lecture. The telephone operator was taking my telegram message; as I came to the end, I said, “Well, that’s it-please sign it Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan.”

The operator gulped in amazement. “Aren’t’ you,” she said disapprovingly, “ever going to say ‘God love you.’”

P.S. Perhaps I should have. The celebrated bishop regrets that he cannot come because of commitments in regard to the Vatican Council.

Rome, Ga.- Like Rome in Italy, our own Rome has some intriguing customs. One of them is, if you can’t attend a meeting, send some refreshments. So, when Father McDonough and I sat down on a Saturday evening with seven parishioners, the men who couldn’t be on hand supplied the sandwiches. In different ways, we were all trying to correct the imbalance of the diocese that has 7/8 of its Catholics in one big city, and 1/8 in 68 other counties. We discussed high schools, tithing, archdiocesan plans--and I found plenty of vision, deep loyalty and good-natured rivalry. In fact, I grew so enthusiastic about Rome’s spiritual pulse that at Sunday Mass the next day, I learned on the pulpit and accidentally turned the volume up to a deafening roar.

The only parishioner in Rome about whom I have any doubts was the four-year-old in the front pew who at this point, put his hands over both ears. He wanted quiet, archbishop or no archbishop!

Georgia Tech- Father Theolphilus McNulty, a man of large wisdom, is building a library at the Catholic Center. The day has past when the Newnan program was a ball, and the Newnan Club was ticked off as the “poor man’s fraternity.” The Center is at Georgia Tech (and the other fine colleges and universities of our area) for one purpose—to be the focus of religious education of all kinds of Catholic activities, for faculty and students, and a place where all students of whatever faith can be in touch with Catholic culture.

Meanwhile, aided by some vigorous professors and students, Father McNulty-who although a Franciscan, appears as a sort of latter day Thomas Aquinas-keeps building the library.

Gainesville, Ga.-Father Donald Kiernan, pastor of St. Michael’s, is a host with the most. The most friends, the most grilled hamburgers and the most unusual stories about the most remarkable experiences. Last week as he entertained the priests of the archdiocese at his rectory, he told how in one short span of a few hours-a thief stole his television set while he was out to breakfast, the fire department was called to put out a blaze on his lawn while he was out on a sick-call, and the archbishop dropped in to find Father Kiernan knee-deep in explanation to the police and the fire department!

Roads to Atlanta- The Grand Knights of all Georgia met at Council 660 on Buford Highway on Sunday afternoon, and had a chance to see their beautiful little prayer chapel. The presidents and moderators of the various Councils of Catholic Women in this region plan to meet in Atlanta next month, the first time they have come together to compare notes. On December 8, the Sodality of Cuban college people will rally their members from all over the U.S. for a day devoted to the honor of the Blessed Virgin. It is to be in Atlanta. Roads still lead to Rome, but Georgians will not that more and more Catholic roads lead to Atlanta, then even when it’s Rome, it could well be Rome, Georgia.

Lake Junaluska-Nobody can sing like Methodists. On my recent visit to address the World Methodist Council., the program opened with two stirring Methodist hymns. Everybody knew them, everyone sang them, everyone meant them. They have never lost the stirring spirit of their founder, John Wesley.

Their cordial welcome to an archbishop speaking on the “Progress and Promise of the Vatican Council” was warm and most ecumenical. Bishop Fred Corson, president of the World Conference, and I refreshed our memories of Rome last fall. Bishop Corson was an official observer. I was happy to tell the assembly that our archdiocesan center is located on Wesley Road.

Paul J. Hallinan

Archbishop Of Atlanta